Congrats on the new system. It will be great! The QS8's are particularly outstanding surround speakers IMO.

However since you asked, one suggestion to make it possibly even better - look into a vertical center speaker using an M2 or M22 instead of the VP150 if your space can handle it. Especially if you're within your 30 day audition window, you could try both and then return the one you don't like as much for minimal cost. That's the only thing I wish I had done different when I 1st built my system.

Looking forward to reading your impressions.

Cheers,

Thanks for the critique. Why the suggestion? Just curious what the swap provides.

Excellent speakers and receiver. If the M22s were closer to the wall than they would be when on stands the bass frequencies would get some added support and be a bit more prominent.

As to whether using back surrounds in a 7.1 setup would be significant, it isn't the size of the room that's the determining factor. It's the distance available behind the listening position for a rear sound field to be experienced. If say at least 4' were available in a small room there would be some benefit, and in a relatively large room if the couch was right up against the back wall there'd be no advantage.

Edit: Yes, if the space is available, a vertical center speaker should be considered.